The Navy has many options for a laser weapon. There are three options: a high-energy laser weapon with integrated optical-dazzler and high-repetition rangefinders. These systems can also be used for specific targets and surface threats. The Navy will ultimately make that decision.
High-energy laser systems with integrated optical dazzler
The United States Navy may soon be able to deploy a high-energy laser weapon aboard a warship. Called the HELIOS, this defensive laser system is designed to shoot down unmanned drones and burn boats. It is expected that it will be deployed with a guided-missile destroyer in the Pacific Fleet by 2020.
The high-power, laser weapon will be ready for use later this year. A low-end, non-lethal laser dazzler is also planned. Both systems will offer valuable operational experience for the Navy using directed energy weapons. Meanwhile, engineers will continue to develop the Navy Laser Family of Systems.
HELIOS system
HELIOS, a high energy laser weapon that can target aerial targets, is available. It can be used to disable enemy drones and for long-range intelligence gathering. HELIOS is being considered by the Navy for future fleet ships.
The Navy has a number of laser weapon systems, including the HELIOS. The family is an effort towards providing lasers that excel in combat. In 2023, the first HELIOS system will be deployed. The laser weapon is expected to be installed on ships and can be integrated into the Aegis combat system. Laser weapons can be used to stun UASs, and have other game-changing capabilities.
High repetition range-finders for eyes that are eye-safe
The eye-safe high repetition laser range-finder (ELRF), which uses high-intensity radiation, is a laser range finding system. It can temporarily blind enemy enemies and works over a range from 500 to 700 meters. It works by using a resonator, which shifts the wavelength from one micron to the next. It weighs 1.65 kilograms and is compact in size. Additionally, the device has an RS232 interface which allows it to send range information out to other systems. The laser is connected to a GPS receiver in the UK.
One example is the Vidar laser rangefinder. It can be used for ground and naval applications and has a high repetition rate and low SWaP. It is a true class-one eye-safe laser that is easy to use during training. It has an integrated boresight sensor and is compact.
Long-range ability
The Navy is in the early stages of developing a laser weapon with long-range capability. The weapon is expected to be five times more powerful than its predecessor, which has been around for five decades. It is designed to be able to track 60-millimeter mortar rounds. It can also target drones three sizes.
The laser weapon has been designed to be multi-mission, allowing it to attack targets at very long ranges. The Navy expects to have it operationally deployed in maritime environments by 2023. The lessons learned from the testing phase will guide future development efforts.
Cost per shot
The Navy is testing a laser weapon. It can take out flying unmanned boats and destroy their engines. It is also less costly to build and operate than conventional weapons. It costs less than $1 per shot. It has been successfully tested against Iranian-style attack vessels. Although the laser did not blow up any of the boats, it caused some collateral damage.
The Navy Laser Weapon System has a significantly lower cost per shot than comparable kinetic weapons. Depending on power, the cost of each shot can vary from $1.15 per 60-kW system to $9.20 per 480-kW weapon. The Navy estimates that a 60-kW class laser costs $100 million per piece, while a 250 kW laser would cost about $200 million.